Española Island, 11/27/2022, National Geographic Endeavour II
Aboard the
National Geographic Endeavour II
Galápagos
Española Island is the oldest of the Galapagos Islands, as it sits on the southeastern end of the archipelago. The islands are of volcanic origin, and they formed due to the activity of what geologists call a “hot spot.” As the Nazca Plate slides to the southeast over the volcano producing area, new islands develop. This means that the islands towards the northwest are the youngest, and the ones on the opposite end are the oldest.
Salvador Cazar studied biology at the Universidad Nacional Del Sur, Bahía Blanca, in Argentina and at the Catholic University of Ecuador. Between 1988 and 1994, Salvador worked as a naturalist and tour leader for several national and international to...
At sunrise we entered Darwin’s Bay, Genovesa, one of the most pristine islands of the Galapagos Archipelago. Genovesa is one massive seabird colony. It has been dubbed “bird island” or even “Hitchcock Island” and is home to the largest population of red-footed boobies. In the morning, we visited Prince Phillip’s Steps, named after the late Duke of Edinburgh, for many years the patron of the Charles Darwin Foundation and a keen ornithologist. Here, we walked through a forest of the peculiar palo santo or incense trees and amongst Nazca boobies, quite abundant here too. Darwin’s Bay beach trail is a real jewel. We followed the sandy trail that is bordered by mangrove trees and salt bushes, from which red-footed boobies, frigatebirds, and Nazca boobies observed us to pass their time. Spending hours in such an isolated place where creatures do not fear the sight of humans is quite touching, and it makes one realize how much we need to continue caring for this wonderful planet of ours.
Our day commenced with a pre-breakfast excursion to Bartolomé Island, renowned for its striking volcanic landscapes and panoramic vistas. Once on top of the island, we were rewarded with breathtaking views of Pinnacle Rock, Santiago Island, and the surrounding azure waters. After breakfast onboard, we returned to the golden beach for snorkeling. The underwater experience was captivating, with encounters featuring sea lions, rays, and reef sharks. After this incredible snorkel we changed location to Chinese hat, a small islet adjacent to Santiago Island, named for its distinctive conical shape resembling a traditional Chinese hat. The island’s landscape, characterized by lava flows, tubes, and uplifted sea floors, offers a vivid testament to the archipelago’s volcanic origins. The snorkeling in the channel between Sombrero Chino and Santiago Island was a highlight. The calm, clear waters teemed with marine life. As the sun set over Galápagos, we gathered on deck to share our experiences. The day’s adventures offered a profound appreciation for the islands’ unique ecosystems and the delicate balance of their natural wonders.
Early in the morning we awoke to the view of green palo santo trees marching up the hill from Santa Cruz and Baltra Islands. After breakfast we took buses to go on an exploration of the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center in Puerto Ayora. At the breeding center, we spotted several species of giant tortoises and learned about the projects currently happening to restore the dynasty of these giant endemic reptiles of the Galapagos. Later, we enjoyed lunch at a waterfront restaurant and continued our exploration in the highlands of Santa Cruz to visit the giant tortoises in their natural habitat. We spotted several male tortoises and a few females. We had great opportunities for photography at this location. After the visit to the giant tortoise ranch known as El Manzanillo, we ventured to an area with twin pit craters and then made our way back to National Geographic Gemini for evening recap.
